How to Tenderize Beef for Country Fried Steak

Use a rolling pin to reduce the thickness of the steak. (Image: Blue Jean Images/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Country fried steak is a dish usually made from either round steak or cube steak. This comforting, flavorful dish, which is also known as chicken fried steak, usually is fried crisp and then topped with rich gravy. Round steak and cube steak can be a bit tough if you don't prepare it properly. One of the keys to making country friend steak that stands out from the rest is to tenderize the meat before you cook it.

Things You'll Need

Parchment paper

Rolling pin

Meat mallet

Tenderizing salt

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Place a piece of parchment paper on a clean and flat work area.

Lay the steak on top of the paper and cover it with another piece of parchment paper. The parchment paper helps to prevent bacteria from coming into contact with your work surface or utensils.

Roll over the meat with a rolling pin. Apply moderate pressure and make four to six rolls over the steak.

Hit the steak repeatedly with a meat mallet. The meat mallet and the rolling pin both help to thin out the steak, which can reduce toughness.

Remove the parchment paper and sprinkle the steak on both sides with tenderizing salt. Place the meat in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

Remove the steak from the refrigerator and cook it using your favorite country fried steak recipe.